Application Process

The Middle Georgia State Federal School Code is: 001581

A transient student is a student who seeks temporary admission to a college and transfers the credit back to their home college. The student's host college cannot determine their financial aid eligibility. Middle Georgia State University's financial aid office will only process consortium agreements with other University System of Georgia schools in an effort to assist students with federal financial aid processing. Please contact our office for instructions on completing a consortium agreement if applicable. The following process should be adhered to for HOPE scholarship only eligible students:

MGA HOPE eligible students enrolling as a transient student at another institution: If the Middle Georgia State University student is a HOPE Scholarship recipient, they should print and submit the MGA HOPE Transient Request form to MGA'S financial aid office. When the student's eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship has been determined, the information will be submitted electronically to their host college. To receive the HOPE Scholarship as a Transient Student, both colleges must be recognized as HOPE eligible institutions. It is important to apply early to avoid costly processing delays.

HOPE eligible students attending MGA as a Transient student from another institution: If the Transient student is a Hope Scholarship recipient, they should apply for the Hope Scholarship as a Transient student at their home college. When their eligibility has been determined, the home college will send the information to Middle Georgia State University's financial aid office electronically. It is important to apply early to avoid costly processing delays.

Federal Student Aid (Grants, work-study and Loans) Some non-U.S. citizens qualify for federal student aid. To find out if you qualify as an "eligible noncitizen" visit the Federal Student Aid site. If you are not an eligible noncitizen then you cannot receive federal student aid. Students who have only a “Notice of Approval to Apply for Permanent Residence” (I-171 or I-464), are in the U.S. on an F-1 or F-2 student visa, or on a J-1 or J-2 Exchange Visitor Visa, or who hold a G series visa (pertaining to international organizations) do not qualify for federal student aid.

Scholarships Non-U.S. citizens may qualify for a wide range of scholarships.

Loans Eligible noncitizens may request federal Direct Loans. Non-U.S. citizens may apply for Alternative Loans. Alternative education loans are created and offered by private lenders, such as banks and credit unions. They are credit-based loans and the lender sets the terms and conditions of the loan.

You have an important role in your loved one's education and college career. We've put together some resources to help you be the best possible support system to your student.

Your Role

As a parent and/or family member, it can be difficult to see your student go off to college. To help alleviate some of the stress, the Office of Financial Aid is here to assist you and support your student during this transition.

It is important for you to remain a positive force in your student's life. Students always need emotional support from their families to help them get through the challenges that may arise during their college experience. Be sure to treat your student like a responsible adult, but also know when to step in to help out. This can be difficult, but listening frequently without overwhelming your student with advice can help you gauge when they truly need you.

During this transition, it is also important for you to take care of you! We have all heard the "Empty Nest Syndrome" terminology, but it is no joke. You may have stresses and concerns about your student going to off to college. The Office of Financial Aid is here if you have questions concerning funding your student's college experience. This is one way we may be able to give you one less thing to worry about.

Note: According to FERPA Law, the Office of Financial Aid cannot discuss certain information with the parent, such as enrollment information or specific amounts. Also, in order for the Office of Financial Aid to discuss any information with the parent, your student must be a dependent student as determined by the FAFSA.

Tips for Success

Your primary resource for Financial Aid for your MGA student is the Office of Financial Aid. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to Contact Us. For your convenience, below are a few additional tips and tricks that may be useful in acquiring the information you need.

Office of Financial Aid Website: There are many resources available to students, parents, and families concerning Financial Aid. The first place to always look for helps is the Financial Aid website. The information you need for your student to receive financial aid at MGA is here.

SWORDS:SWORDS is the secure website where the MGA community can view academic resources, administrative services, and all things about your student including their Financial Aid information. Your student will be able to view their award, outstanding requirements, balances, and Admissions and Registration information. Please remind your student to frequently check his/her SWORDS and student email accounts frequently for updated information and announcements.

To receive consideration for Federal Financial Aid (Pell, SEOG, College Work-Study and/or Loans) you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This can be done electronically at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

It takes approximately 2 weeks for the office of financial aid to receive the results of the application. This time is shortened considerably if you sign the application electronically. All the instructions are located at the above website.

Once MGA receives the results from your FAFSA, you may have to submit some additional documentation if your application is selected for verification. You will be notified of forms needed. Verification does lengthen the time to process a student's file; therefore, it is imperative that you respond immediately with all requested documentation.

To apply for a loan: All federal student loans (subsidized, unsubsidized and parent) processed at MGA will be Federal Direct loans. Once MGA has received your FAFSA and all other processing requirements have been met, you will be offered the maximum loan eligibility limits based on federal guidelines. You will then need to log into your SWORDS account and follow these instructions to web accept loan funds offered: http://www.mga.edu/financial-aid/swords-instructions.php. You will also need to go to the Direct Loan website at https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action to complete a required Master Promissory Note (MPN) if this has not previously been completed at MGA and entrance counseling. Note: You will need to sign in using your Department of Education FSA ID.

Once we have received all applicable information, our normal processing time can take up to 4 weeks. During peak periods such as registration, processing may be longer. Therefore, it is imperative to start the process early to ensure that your funds will be available when fees are due.

For more information, please contact us toll-free at 1.877.238.8664 or email us at .